Hypertension Galaxy Lab: A Global/Cross-Cultural Initiative for Leveraging e-Health in Primary Care
Özden GÖKDEMIR, Elif Sıdal GÜLTEKIN, Evin Deniz ORHAN, Hüseyin ELBI, Gindrovel DUMITRA, Lara DOMINGUES DIOGO, Zeynep Cansu KAÇAR, Miriam REY SEOANE, Erica FRANK, Gizem BAYAT and Barlas Efe YILMAZ
Hypertension is a major chronic condition in primary care, with e-health adoption varying widely across countries. While digital tools for monitoring blood pressure and delivering remote care are evidence-based, their use is influenced by resources, workforce capacity, policies, and cultural factors. The Hypertension Galaxy Lab adopts a systems-thinking approach, using a galaxy metaphor to examine national differences in e-health for hypertension management, while encouraging collaborative learning among primary care professionals.1. Describe and compare e-health practices in hypertension treatment across different countries. 2. Create a “health system galaxy” visualizing their country's resources as “stars,” digital tools as “satellites,” barriers as “black holes,” and collaboration opportunities as “orbits.” 3. Identify common facilitators and challenges in implementing e-health solutions for hypertension management. 4. Identify potential areas for international cooperation or future initiatives involving multiple countries.The workshop includes a brief theoretical overview, metaphor-based instruction, and small-group teamwork. Participants work in diverse international groups using visual templates to examine and compare system components, fostering active participation and peer learning without requiring patient data. Introduction – “Global View” (10 min): Brief evidence-based overview of using e-health tools for hypertension management in primary care. Mini Lecture – “What Builds a Galaxy?” (5 min): Explains the metaphors and their four core elements. International Group Lab – “Design & Align Your Galaxies” (35 min): Mixed-country groups discuss their national “stars,” “black holes,” and “satellites,” then collaboratively define shared “orbit alignments,” common pathways, challenges, strengths, follow-up frequency, chronic care implementation, health policy implications, and opportunities for collaboration. Each group creates a single galaxy map that reflects both national insights and cross-country alignment points. Closing – “From Map to Action” (15 min): Groups share key findings and merge insights into a collective “International Galaxy Map.”Participants will identify opportunities for improvement and build cross-country connections. The workshop will develop a collective map of shared facilitators, barriers, and ideas for future implementation or research.This workshop makes complex system variability simple and engaging, providing practical insights and collaboration opportunities for primary care and global e-health in hypertension management.
